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A journal dedicated to conservation and wildlife management in the Pacific region.
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Pacific Conservation Biology

Pacific Conservation Biology

Pacific Conservation Biology provides a forum for discussion about regional conservation problems; debate about priorities and mechanisms for conservation oriented biological research; and dissemination of the results of relevant research. Read more about the journalMore

Editor-in-Chief: Mike Calver

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

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Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. Pacific Conservation Biology is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 20 May 2025

PC25024Just add water: exceptional plant recruitment in arid zone mine rehabilitation

Rachel J. Standish 0000-0001-8118-1904, Todd E. Erickson, Jonathan Fisher and Tim K. Morald
 

Rehabilitation is needed to address social and ecological impacts of high-intensity mining activity in the Pilbara region. Yet success is limited by the arid climate, lack of topsoil, and poor plant establishment from sown seeds. Our observations suggest potential for assisted and unassisted plant recruitment in the absence of fresh topsoil.

PC25024 Abstract  |  PC25024 Full Text  | PC25024PDF (883 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 12 May 2025

PC24096Who’s been lost from the landscape? Identifying missing terrestrial fauna to inform urban rewilding

Mareshell Wauchope 0000-0002-1414-8925, Patrick B. Finnerty 0000-0001-5762-6272, Jennifer C. Pierson, Peter B. Banks, Alexandra J. R. Carthey and Thomas M. Newsome
 

Urban areas present unique wildlife rewilding opportunities. Applying a decision framework to occurrence data we identify rewilding candidate species with broadest geographic potential; then explore traits and factors influencing urban rewilding suitability. These insights provide key considerations for wildlife managers planning rewilding projects, promoting effective biodiversity conservation in urban landscapes.

PC24096 Abstract  |  PC24096 Full Text  | PC24096PDF (8.8 MB)  | PC24096Supplementary Material (1014 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 02 May 2025

PC23059Confirmed occurrence of the Australian snubfin dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni) in Papua New Guinea: conservation considerations for small isolated populations

Isabel Beasley 0000-0003-1104-7309, Maria Jedensjö, Jim Anamiato and Michael R. McGowen
 

A small population of Orcaella spp. occur in southern Papua New Guinea, but their taxonomic status is unknown. Phylogenetic reconstruction showed that Australian snubfin dolphins occur in Papua New Guinea waters. This is currently the only known Australian snubfin dolphin population in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands.

This article belongs to the collection: Marine Mammals in the Pacific.

PC23059 Abstract  | PDF (5 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 29 April 2025

PC24087Predator and prey on the line: an electrocution incident involving two threatened species, the powerful owl (Ninox strenua) and grey-headed flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus)

Matthew Mo 0000-0003-2099-6020, Jason Luke, Sandra Guy and Rose McLaggan
 

Photograph of a powerful owl clutching a grey-headed flying fox, both are dead on powerlines.

This field note documents a powerful owl clutching a grey-headed flying-fox both dead on power lines. Based on how the carcases were presented, either the flying-fox was electrocuted first and the owl was subsequently electrocuted trying to scavenge on the carcass or the owl had captured the flying-fox and was clutching it when it made contact with the powerlines. Photograph by Jason Luke.

PC24087 Abstract  | PDF (493 KB) - $35.00   | PC24087Supplementary Material (362 KB)
Published online 24 April 2025

PC24099Frogs trapped in open polyvinyl chloride pipes vertically positioned in the ground

Matthew Mo 0000-0003-2099-6020
 

A series of 11 open polyvinyl chloride pipes vertically positioned in the ground were found to contain multiple trapped spotted grass frogs (Limnodynastes tasmaniensis), including two dead individuals. These finds highlight the capacity for these anthropogenic structures to act as ongoing mortality risks for wildlife if left unmitigated.

PC24099 Abstract  | PDF (688 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 22 April 2025

PC25017The role of conservation translocations in the recovery of the endangered Djimaalap/noisy scrub-bird (Atrichornis clamosus): from Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve and back

Sarah Comer 0000-0001-7236-4602, Alan Danks 0009-0006-4895-0867, Abby Berryman, Saul Cowen 0000-0002-1045-5637, Allan H. Burbidge 0000-0002-2136-3973 and Graeme T. Smith
 

Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve in Western Australia was created in 1967 to protect the habitat of the then recently rediscovered Djimaalap/noisy scrub-bird (Atrichornis clamosus) whose population numbered less than 100 individuals. Conservation translocations, supported by habitat management have been the major strategies leading to an increase in the size and area occupied by scrub-birds, enabling the species to withstand several major bushfires. In this paper, we review nearly 40 years of scrub-bird translocations and the research that has underpinned this important work.

This article belongs to the collection: The Natural History of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia.

PC25017 Abstract  |  PC25017 Full Text  | PC25017PDF (15.8 MB)  | PC25017Supplementary Material (440 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 22 April 2025

PC25021Booderitj/western bristlebird and Dading/western whipbird: ecology and management of two of the lesser-known threatened species at Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia

Allan H. Burbidge 0000-0002-2136-3973, A. Danks 0009-0006-4895-0867, S. Comer 0000-0001-7236-4602 and G. T. Smith
 

Booderitj/western bristlebird and Dading/western whipbird, along with Djimaalap/noisy scrub-bird, persist in long unburnt (>60 years) vegetation at Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia. All three are declared threatened, and have contrasting recovery patterns following fire, necessitating careful management of their fire prone habitat. This paper summarises and reviews work done on these two species over the past 50 years.

This article belongs to the collection: The Natural History of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia.

PC25021 Abstract  |  PC25021 Full Text  | PC25021PDF (10.8 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 11 April 2025

PC24090Age and growth of the silky shark Carcharhinus falciformis (Muller & Henle, 1839) in the Ecuadorian Pacific

Christopher Mera 0009-0008-1944-4644, Diego Mejía, Smith Vera-Mera, Steven Tamayo-Vega, Felipe Galván-Magaña, Michael Veléz-Soledispa and Jesús Briones-Mendoza 0000-0001-6805-7706
 

Age and growth studies are vital for sustainable fisheries. Research on Carcharhinus falciformis (silky shark) in the Ecuadorian Pacific is limited, but this study found that the species grows slowly, increasing its vulnerability to overfishing. These findings provide essential data for population models, supporting effective management strategies to ensure its long-term conservation.

PC24090 Abstract  | PDF (2.3 MB) - $35.00   | PC24090Supplementary Material (2.8 MB)
Published online 10 April 2025

PC24071Bad dog? The environmental effects of owned dogs

Philip W. Bateman 0000-0002-3036-5479 and Lauren N. Gilson 0000-0002-5454-2038
 

Dogs are popular and ubiquitous pets, making them the commonest large carnivore in the world. We argue that the negative environmental effects of pet dogs are multifarious, ranging from direct predation and disturbance of wildlife to indirect modifications of wildlife behaviour due to their scent marks, faecal and urine pollution, deposition of veterinary insecticides into the environment, and carbon footprint of the pet food industry. The mitigation of these effects lies largely in the responsible behaviour of dog owners.

PC24071 Abstract  |  PC24071 Full Text  | PC24071PDF (1.7 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 08 April 2025

PC25003The absurdity of nature love through aviary bird-keeping

Minh-Hoang Nguyen 0000-0002-7520-3844 and Quan-Hoang Vuong
 

Aviary bird-keeping for entertainment exacerbates the loss of bird biodiversity. We reveal the absurdity of bird keepers claiming to love nature and support conservation while engaging in practices that exploit and commodify birds for human interests. This also highlights the eco-deficit culture driving this absurd form of ‘nature love’.

PC25003 Abstract  |  PC25003 Full Text  | PC25003PDF (1.9 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 03 April 2025

PC24082The Pacific foodfish list: a standardized list of over 1000 species of marine fish consumed by Pacific people

N. L. Andrew 0000-0002-2337-8722, L. Aisea, N. D. H. Arachchi 0000-0001-8245-6359, N. Bailly, I. Bertram, P. Bosserelle, L. Carron, K. D. Clements 0000-0001-8512-5977, M. P. Duenas, V. Fatongiatau, S. Felise, S. González-Murcia, B. Jaugeon, L. Joy, L. P. Kaitu, U. Kaly, J.-A. Kerandel, J. Z. Koehn, J. Kinch, S. Jalam, A. Kwapena, O. Li, S. Lindfield, F. Magron, B. R. Moore, R. F. Myers, B. Ned, B. Nikiari, D. Ochavillo, J. van der Ploeg 0000-0001-7099-4002, K. Raumea, M. Roscher, M. Sabater, A. Sami, G. Shedrawi, N. Smith, D. J. Steenbergen 0000-0003-4067-4432, M. Sukulu, F. Tulafono, S. Tiitii, T. Toroca, P. Tua, L. Vaipuna, C. C. C. Wabnitz, J. Wencélius, M. White and B. Yeeting
 

The sustainable supply of fish for food is a policy priority for Pacific nations. Despite this imperative, the types and names of fish are not uniformly described and understood. The study provides the first comprehensive description of the 1031 species of fish consumed by Pacific people and highlights the need for comprehensive baselines of foodfish in a changing world.

PC24082 Abstract  |  PC24082 Full Text  | PC24082PDF (2.2 MB)  | PC24082Supplementary Material (1.6 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 03 April 2025

PC25014A review of 60 years of fire management for threatened fauna and flora at Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia

Megan Dilly, Sarah Barrett 0000-0003-2790-992X, Sarah Comer 0000-0001-7236-4602, Allan H. Burbidge, Alan Danks 0009-0006-4895-0867, Judith M. Harvey, Angas J. M. Hopkins and Graeme T. Smith
 

Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve in Western Australia has been managed for the conservation of threatened fauna for over 60 years. This review considers the range of species that have benefited, but also the complexity of managing a range of plants and animals concurrently. A long history of fire exclusion from core habitat for threatened fauna has seen significant conservation outcomes for some species, but other species and ecosystems may require more nuanced management.

This article belongs to the collection: The Natural History of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia.

PC25014 Abstract  |  PC25014 Full Text  | PC25014PDF (7 MB)  | PC25014Supplementary Material (1.9 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 31 March 2025

PC24086Overfished and under conserved: life-history, ecology and supply chain of the Endangered whitespotted whipray (Maculabatis gerrardi) and sharpnose whipray (Maculabatis macrura) from south-east Asia

N. Clark-Shen 0000-0002-8003-6681, A. Chin 0000-0003-1813-4042, C. Gan, K. Xu-Ting Ting, C. Terence, J. Ng Zheng Kai, D. Wee 0009-0005-3805-0622 and N. Hutchinson
 

Whitespotted whipray (Maculabatis gerrardi) and sharpnose whipray (Maculabatis macrura) are caught and traded in large volumes in south-east Asia. This study reveals late maturity (50% age-at-maturity of 5–6 years old), which makes them vulnerable to fisheries. A seafood trader who was interviewed perceives significant population declines.

PC24086 Abstract  |  PC24086 Full Text  | PC24086PDF (1.7 MB)  | PC24086Supplementary Material (894 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 27 March 2025

PC24105Local knowledge of Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis) in north-central Flores Island (Indonesia) and implications for conservation of the species

Gregory Forth 0000-0001-6298-8665
 

The world’s largest lizard, the Komodo dragon Varanus komodoensis continues to survive in parts of Flores Island. Anthropological fieldwork reveals local knowledge of the dragons that complements information on their distribution derived from zoological field studies. Focusing on a region in north-central Flores Island, the paper analyses detailed, credible local accounts of these rare lizards that could contribute to conservation of the species.

PC24105 Abstract  | PDF (9.2 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 20 March 2025

PC24075Open data for biogeography research of the genus Metrosideros across the south-central Pacific region

Thomas R. Etherington 0000-0002-3187-075X, Murray I. Dawson, Anne Sutherland and James K. McCarthy 0000-0003-3060-1678
 

Mapping the distribution of species from the genus Metrosideros is crucial for surveillance and management plans associated with species conservation. Such mapping requires accurate and accessible Metrosideros occurrence data and geographic information system data on island locations and extents. Here, we reviewed, compiled, and provided this data via an open science framework to support pan-Pacific conservation efforts.

PC24075 Abstract  |  PC24075 Full Text  | PC24075PDF (1.1 MB)   Open Access Article

Just Accepted

These articles have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. They are still in production and have not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

Most Read

The Most Read ranking is based on the number of downloads in the last 60 days from papers published on the CSIRO PUBLISHING website within the last 12 months. Usage statistics are updated daily.

  6. The Pacific foodfish list: a standardized list of over 1000 species of marine fish consumed by Pacific people

    Pacific Conservation Biology 31 (2)
    N. L. Andrew 0000-0002-2337-8722, L. Aisea, N. D. H. Arachchi 0000-0001-8245-6359, N. Bailly, I. Bertram, P. Bosserelle, L. Carron, K. D. Clements 0000-0001-8512-5977, M. P. Duenas, V. Fatongiatau, S. Felise, S. González-Murcia, B. Jaugeon, L. Joy, L. P. Kaitu, U. Kaly, J.-A. Kerandel, J. Z. Koehn, J. Kinch, S. Jalam, A. Kwapena, O. Li, S. Lindfield, F. Magron, B. R. Moore, R. F. Myers, B. Ned, B. Nikiari, D. Ochavillo, J. van der Ploeg 0000-0001-7099-4002, K. Raumea, M. Roscher, M. Sabater, A. Sami, G. Shedrawi, N. Smith, D. J. Steenbergen 0000-0003-4067-4432, M. Sukulu, F. Tulafono, S. Tiitii, T. Toroca, P. Tua, L. Vaipuna, C. C. C. Wabnitz, J. Wencélius, M. White, B. Yeeting

Collections

Collections are a curation of articles relevant to a topical research area

Marine Mammals in the Pacific

This collection of Pacific Conservation Biology papers will enable a synthesis of the challenges which face marine mammal populations and research in the Pacific and the actions and agreements to address some of the challenges, facilitate the publication of important knowledge from research poor areas, and highlight the importance of crowd-sourced data across geographically complex regions.

Collection Editors
Rochelle Constantine (University of Auckland - Waipapa Taumata Rau)
Claire Garrigue (Institute for Research and Development)

Last Updated: 02 May 2025

The Natural History of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia

Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve is one of the most important nature conservation areas along the south coast of Western Australia. This Collection of Pacific Conservation Biology papers about the natural history of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, provides past and current knowledge of this significant nature reserve.

The papers in this collection are Open Access and the ones that aren't, are free to read for one month, from 22 April 2025

Collection Editors
A. J. M. Hopkins, G. T. Smith and D. A. Saunders

Last Updated: 22 Apr 2025

Publishing Science 101: advice on submitting and promoting your research paper

This Collection offers an overview of the publishing process from start to finish, and is designed to provide information and support to researchers looking to publish academic articles. Topics include common mistakes authors make in presentation or in misunderstanding what happens in production, the importance of accurate referencing and proofing, navigating problems with authorship, making decisions about Open Access, and promoting work once it is accepted.

Collection Editor
Mike Calver (Editor-in-Chief, Pacific Conservation Biology)

Last Updated: 12 Dec 2024

Conservation Highlights in the Americas

This Collection focuses on contributions from researchers studying conservation problems and solutions along the eastern Pacific coast and Hawaii. The papers from the eastern Pacific coast include island and mainland examples, confirming that both are considered within the journal’s scope. They illustrate the range and quality of the work published by Pacific Conservation Biology, as well as the journal’s service to the scientific communities of the eastern Pacific coast.

Last Updated: 22 Mar 2024

Coral Reefs in the Pacific: Values, Threats and Solutions

The challenges for conservation in the Pacific are sharpest in managing coral reefs. The effects of anthropogenic climate change are already evident, as well as unregulated exploitation, land clearing or agricultural production on adjoining lands. In 2018, Pacific Conservation Biology celebrated 25 years of publication. It was also International Year of the Reef. In this Collection, we have collated key papers to aid the understanding of the value of, and threats to, coral reefs and their ecosystems, with hope that this research will contribute to a brighter future for our reefs.

Collection Editors
Mike Van Keulen and Mike Calver

Last Updated: 18 May 2018

Pacific Biodiversity: Values, Threats and Solutions

Pacific Conservation Biology is dedicated to conservation in the Pacific region, which is defined broadly as the western Pacific (East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia and Oceania), the north Pacific (including Russia), and the islands of the central Pacific across to countries on the North American and South American continents bordering on the eastern Pacific. In this Collection, Pacific Conservation Biology addresses the ‘big questions’ in conservation, providing a forum for conservation scientists, natural resource managers and science communicators to explore the answers in a Pacific context.

Last Updated: 27 Jun 2017

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Ivor Beatty Award

Kit Prendergast has been awarded the Ivor Beatty Award for 2023.

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